Winter weather

• Heat your home to at least 21℃ if infants or elderly people are present. During winter months, heating costs may increase. If you have difficulty paying for heat, consider exploring BC Hydro’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program and check if your city or town has a rent bank.  
• Make a plan and prepare your home for winter hazards in your area. See the PreparedBC Guides for Winter Weather and Storms, Power Outages, Floods, Avalanches and other BC hazards.  
• Build an emergency kit and restock it after each use. See the PreparedBC Home Preparedness Guide. 
• Maintain public spaces outside of your home, including sidewalks and parking areas, as safe pathways for everyone's mobility. 
  • Learn snow shovelling tips to prevent injuries.  
  • Some communities have Snow Angels / Snow Stars programs to assist seniors or people with disabilities to clear snow off walkways. This can decrease injury risk and support people's mobility. Volunteers are always needed! Contact your local government or First Nation for more information.   
• During winter, carbon monoxide poisoning may occur more frequently as some heating systems burn fuel to keep spaces warm (e.g. gas heating, wood or charcoal stoves, oil, kerosene). Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when people inhale too much carbon monoxide and can happen when appliances malfunction or are used in spaces without adequate ventilation (e.g., blocked chimneys, closed windows, or inside a tent). You cannot see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, but it can be deadly in minutes.

Learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention tips (HealthLink BC)

• Check the weather report before going outside. Plan a safe route with extra time to navigate winter conditions.  
• Dress for winter weather:  
  • Wear layers, preferably with a waterproof or windproof outer layer. Take off layers as you heat up to avoid sweating. The risk of hypothermia increases when you or your clothes are wet. 
  • Choose wool or synthetic clothing, which keeps people warmer and dryer than cotton.  
  • Depending on the temperature and wind (wind chill), exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Wear a hat, scarf, mittens or gloves.    
  • Use boots or shoes that fit well, are insulated, waterproof, and have good traction. Consider wearing traction devices on footwear, but remember that they can be slippery on smooth surfaces like tiles.  
  • Wear bright and reflective clothing so vehicles can see you in the dark. Drivers should proceed cautiously, and visibility can increase safety for people walking, rolling or biking.  

• Plan ahead so you have enough time to get where you're going.
• Walk on cleared walkways if there is ice and snow on the ground.
• Use boots or shoes that fit well and have a thick, non-slip tread sole.
• Use a cane, ski poles or walking sticks to help with balance. If using a cane, attach a retractable ice pick to the end.
• Take short shuffling steps with your toes pointed slightly outward on slippery surfaces (like a penguin). Watch this winter walking video for more tips.

• Plan travel routes ahead of time so you have enough time to get where you’re going.  
• Learn how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving. Check the snow tire and chain requirements for your area.  
• Monitor up-to-date information on weather and transportation at Drive BC. You can also call toll-free 1-800-550-4997 for B.C. road information 24 hours a day. 

• Check weather advisories from Environment and Climate Change Canada and emergency alerts from Emergency Info BC. 
• Contact your Local Government or First Nation for community support.  
• Know where to go for the right healthcare during winter months.  
• Consider rescheduling activities or limiting time outdoors during colder temperatures. 
• Check-in on your neighbours, friends and family, especially older adults or people with disabilities who live alone. Make sure they are keeping warm and check if they need supplies, transportation, assistance clearing snow or other support.